Straightening tool



July 18, 1939.

E H. SCHULTZ STRAIGHTENING TOOL Filed Nov. 20, 1937,

NVENTORI Patented July 18,

2,186,373 s'raaron'raumo 'roor.

Edward 11. Schultz, Milwaukee, Wis, assignor to Blackhawk Mtg. 00., Milwaukee, Wis a corporatlon of Wisconsin Application November 20, 1937, Serial No. 175,688 21 Claims. (01. est- 134) invention relates generally to improvements in the art of removing dents and other I irregularities'irom'sheet metal assemblages, and

relates'more specifically to improvements in the construction and operation of implements or tools for restoring to normal shape such assemblages as distorted sheet metal automobile 'bodies or the like. Generally defined, an

tool for restoring distorted sheet metal assem blages to' normal condition, which is simple in construction and highly flexible and effective in operation, r

In the art of repairing damaged automobile bodies, it is customary to utilize many varieties of so-called bumping-out tools for the purpose of removing indentations and distortion from sheet metal or other relatively light parts. Each of these prior implements or tools, has ordinarily been iorrhedas a rigid unit especially adapted for a particular class of service, and because of the numerous conditions whichv are encountered and the varied character of the work, it requires many of these prior individual units in order to enable the repairman to properly repair such assemblages. Since it is preferable to utilize a jack or ram in conjunction with such tools or implements, the latter must be constructed for effective cooperation with the ram, and considerable time .and effort is wasted in applying these individual tools to the ram and in substituting one implement for another. The prior bumping-out or straightening tools are therefore relatively impracticable andunsatisfactory, and cannot be used to meet many of the requirements in a most efficient manner and without excessive loss of time.

It is, therefore, a more specific object oi! my present'invention, to provide a new and useful straightening tool which is adjustable so as to most effectively cooperate with indentations of various kinds and shapes, and located 'in relatively inaccessible portions or a sheet metal assemblage.

Another specific object of the invention is the provision of an improved automobile body repair implement which is conveniently adjustable to meet various conditions of use, without ,necessarily removingthe implement from-a jack or ram .with which it may be associated.

a further object of my invention is the provision of an improved straightening toolwhich is simple and durable in construction, and which is especially adapted to remove 'dents' i'rom and to object of my present in-. vention is to provide an improved straightening restore the shape of beads and other distorted parts, in sheet metal roof panels for vehicles such as modern automobile bodies.

Still another specific object of this invention is to provide a repair implement for automobile bodies or the like, which is extremely flexible in use, and which may be manufactured and sold at moderate cost.

These and other specific objects and'advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description.

A clear conception of one specific embodiment of my present invention, and of the mode of constructing and of using implements built in accordance with the improvement, may be had by referring to the drawing accompanying and forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate the same or similar parts in the various views.

Fig. 1 is a part sectional side elevation of one of the improved repair implements, showing the toe member thereof in various positions of adjustment in dot-and-dash lines;

Fig. 2 is a part sectional top view of the implement shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section through the improved implement, taken along the "line 3-3 oi Fig. l, with the adjusting pivot pin removed;

Fig. 4 is another transverse section through the implement, taken along the line 4-t of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the improved adjusting pivot pin of the repair implement;

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing some of the possibilities of adjustment of the improved tool to meet various conditions of use;

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the mode of utilizing the improved implement for removing a dent in oneportion of a sheet metal automobile roofpanel;

Fig. 8 is a similar diagram showing the implement being utilized for another class of service;

V anindentation above the windshield of an automobile body.

While I have shown and described a particular type of" repair implement wherein the toe and-shank members are relatively adjustable with the aid of a polygonal pivot pin in a specific manner, and the articulatableparis are of a particular shape, it is not the intent to thereby unnecessarily restrict the scope of this invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive of the drawing, the improved body repair implement or tool shown therein, comprises in general a shank section or member ll having laterally spaced parallel ears |5 at one end, and a threaded socket H5 at its opposite end adapted for attachment to a jack or ram IT; a spoon or toe member |8 having a supporting portion 9 formed for adjustable disposition between the ears l5 of the shank member I; and a polygonal pivot pin 20 coacting with the ears l5 and with the toe supporting portion l9 to adjustably position the members l4, l8 relatively to each other.

The shank member I is preferably of onepiece sturdy construction, and the alined pin receiving openings 2| formed in the ears l5, are of hexagonal shape, although these openings may be of any other desired polygonal shape adapted to snugly embrace the opposite ends of the looking pin 20. The toe member I8 is also formed of metal and of sturdy structure; and the major portion of this member may be of any desired transverse width, while the supporting portion l9 thereof is adjustably confined between the shank ears l5 and is provided with a tapered heel I portion 22 especially adapted for use as a wedge in spreading bent parts. Although the openings 2| in the ears I5 are hexagonal, the corresponding pin receiving opening 22 in the toe portion l9 may be of double hexagonal formation, that is, so formed that the pin 2|! may be inserted therein in twelve different positions. This formation of the opening 23 will permit angular adjustment of the toe member I! about the axis of the locking pin 2|]- and relative to the shank member I, by increments of thirty degrees as indicated in dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 1, and this formation is also advantageous in securing fifteen degree adjustments. It will be noted, that by positioning the openings 2| as shown in Fig. 6, with a corner thereof offset from the longitudinal axis of the pushing member ll by seven and one-half degrees, the toe member I! may be adjusted relative to the transverse center line of the pushing member I by increments of fifteen degrees with the aid of the double hexagonal opening 23 in the supporting portion l9. Such angular adjustments are obtainable because the toe member II is freely revolvable about the longitudinal axis of the pushing member ll as shown in Fig. 6; and-after it has been set as shown in solid lines at the left, the member I! may be revolved about the axis of the push member ll to position the toe mid-way between the settings thereof illustrated in dot-and-dash lines at the right of Fig. 6. When the members It, I. have been set to any predetermined position of adjustment, and the pin 20 is inserted within the alined openings 2|, 23 thereof, the two members are firmly locked against relative displacement.

The locking pin 2| is obviously of polygonal shape conforming with the shape of the openings 2|, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 5, and while this pin snugly engages the openings 2|, 23 and is frictionally confined therein, it may also be de sirable to lock the pin 2| in place. Such looking may be effected with the-aid of a locking ball 24 carried by the supporting portion ll of the toe member ii and coactingjywith an annular recess 25 formed in the medial portion of the pin '20, the ball 24 being reciprocable in a space 28 and being constantly urged the Opening 23 by means of a compression spring 2T confined within the space 26. The latch ball 24 is of such diameter that it cannot pass through the constricted inner end of the space 26 but can protrude therebeyond and into the recess 25 as shown in Fig. 1, and the space 28 is preferably so located that the ball 24 will always engage a relatively shallow portion of the recess 25 in order to permit the pin 20 to be readily pushed endwise out of the openings 2|, 23.

In order to permit the implement to conform with various shapes, the wide overhanging portion of the toe member i8 is preferably curved in a longitudinal direction, and this portion may be either transversely flat as shown in Fig. 4, or one or both of the opposite surfaces thereof may be slightly crowned. The outer surface of the heel portion 22 of the member l8 may also be curved .as indicated in Fig. 1, and the sides'of the portion 22 may be tapered as shown in Fig. 2. The jack or ram i! with which the improved implement is ordinarily detachably associated, may be of any suitable type, and as shown herein, this ram i1 is of the hydraulic or fluid pressure actuated type having the end of its plunger screwed into the threaded socket l6 of the shank member H.

The improved tool or implement is adapted for a variety of uses, and the toe member |8 may obviously be readily adjusted and locked in the desired position of adjustment by merely withdrawing the pin 20 during adjustment and by reinserting this pin in the openings 2|, 23 after adjustment has been effected. The device is especially adapted for use in restoring distorted sheet metal body tops, roof panels, or turret tops 28, as shown diagrammatically in Figs. 7 to inclusive. In Fig. '1 the implement is shown in the act of pushing out a downward indentation above the roof rail 29 of the top 28, and with the toe member i8 disposed substantially perpen-- dicular to the common axis of the shank portion I4 and of the ram H. The ram reacts against the opposite lower corner of the body 30, and the toe member l8 will obviously gradually remove the dent as the ram l1 elongates. so as to effectively restore the distorted portion of the top 28 to normal condition. In Fig. 8 I have shown the tool in the act of removing a downward and inward indentation in the top 28, and in this diagram, the toe member II has been adjusted to an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shank member I and of the ram This oblique disposition of the toe member I8 permits the extreme end thereof to be broughtfarther over the roof rail 29 and nearer the edge or bead 3| of the roof panel or top 28, thus permitting the ram pressure to more effectively force the dent upwardly as well as outwardly. In Fig. 9 the improved device is shown in the act of straightening a dented bead 3|, and in this diagram the .toe member i8 has been adjusted into substantial alinement with the common axis of the shank member I4 and ram l1, and the ram has been caused to react against the roof rail 2| at the opposite side of the top 28 so. that direct outward pressure can be applied to the distorted bead ll without interference by the adjacent roof rail 28. Fig. 10 illustrates the use of the improved implement in removing a dent above the header bracket 22 and windshield ll of an automobile. In this diagram. the .toe member I8 is again set at an oblique angle relative to the axis of the shank member I and ram IT, so as to most-effectively force the dented portion upwardly without obstruction by the header bracket 32.- When utilizingthe appliance for other purposes, it may be desirable to adjust the toe member It to other angular positions than those speciiically illustrated, as for instance to an acute vides an improved implement or tool extremely simple, compactand dufabl iii construction, and which is also highly flexible and eflicient'in use. The toe member ll may obviously be quickly and conveniently adjusted-so as to insure most eileotive applicationof the pressures and consequent restoration of aged parts to normal condition. ,The toeiriember l8 mayalso be varied in shape to suitco'nfiitions, although the specific shape shown has proven highly practical especially in view 'of the adjustability herein provided. The adjusting and look-- ing pin 20 need not necessarily -be-hertag'onal, but may be of any desired polygonal or-other shape whereby the members l8, ll 'are iirmly locked in relatlvely adjusted posltionj and latclrball 24 may be replaced by any other-means ior preventing longitudinal or'axia'l shifting, of the pin. The improved device obviously be readily applied to or removed from the ram I1, f

. offset with respect to the longitudlnalaxis of said g l I 'inember to permit angular adjustmentof said lit should be understood that it is not desired and can be manufactured and sold at moderate the scope ofv the claimsmay occur to persons skilled in the art. 7

I claim:

1. An implement comprising, a shank member movable along its longitudinal axis and having} a polygonal transverse opening, a toe-member having its end adjoining said shank meinbf p' having a multl-sided opening therein. atoe a polygonal pin -cooperable with said dpenings to prevent relative displacement'off'said members, one or said openings being formed to permit a greater number of angular adjustments of said pin therein than the other.

2. An implement comprising, ashank'membe'i' ber having 'a multi-sided opening therein; able with said shank opening, one oi ings having a 'greaternumber oi.

- other, anda pin oooperable withsaid to prevent relativedisplacement of said 3. An implement-comprising; a shank member having a multi-sided opening therein, the member having a multi sided opening dine-'- able with said shank opening, one otsaidopenings having a greater number of sides the to oil'set opening, and a pin cooperable with the other, a pin" cooperable with said preventrelative displacement or said and means for lockingsaid pin against displacemerit along said openings. 4. An im lement comprising, a shsnkmember having a pressure applying end and spaced at its opposite end, said ears being provided with curved .toe member having a supportingporflon It will thus be apparent that disposable between said ears and provided with a more sided polygonal opening alineable with said ear openings, and a polygonal pin cooperable curved toe member having a supporting portion disposable between said ears and provided with 'amore sided polygonal opening alineable with ear openings, apolygonal pin cooperabl'e withall 01 said openings to prevent relative dis.- placement of said members, and means coacting withvthe'medial portion of said pin for prevent- 'ingaiial displacement thereof.

' 6. An implement comprising, a shank member having a polygonal ope n a toe member having a similarly polygonal opening alinable with'said shank member opening, and a pin co- 1 operable with said'openings to lock said members in different angular positions, said toe'member being reversible relative to said shank member and said openings being formed to permit intermediate angular adjustment of said toe member upon reversal thereof. 4

"T. An implement comprisin 'a shank member having a hexagonal-opening, a toe member having a similarly hexagonal opening alinable with said shank member opening, and a pin cooperable with said openings to lock said members beingreversible relative to said shank member and said opening in said shank member being "upon reversal thereof.

8. implement comprising, a shank member having a polygonal opening, a the member-havi'n'g'a similarly polygonal opening alinablewlth said shank member opening, and a pin cooper-- able with said openings to lock said members in diiierent angular positions, said members being "freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis of said shank member andsaid openings being .formed to permit intermediate angular adjustvlded with a similarly polygonal ope 'nmfi'md mentor said toe member upon alternate reversals thereof with respect to said axis,

-' -9. animplementcompd ng, a shank member,'; a toe member, each of said members having a "01' the openings inthe other member to lock said members 'in variouspositions of adjustment.

10. An implement comprising, a shank member, a'toe member, each of .said members'hav- I ing a" polygonal opening alinable with the opening or the other member, andone of said memin the sides oi itspolygonal opening a second similarly "polygonal a'llne'd openings to prevent relative displacement oi -said members. I

11. 'An im lenient comprising, a, shank'member, atoejmember; each or said members hav-' [in different angular positions, said too member I la! positions.

cooperate to define a second offset hexagonal opening in said member interchangeably alinable with the opening in the other member, and a pin cooperable with the alined openings in said members to lock the latter against relative displacement.

12. An implement comprising, a shank-member, a toe member, each of said members having a polygonal opening alinable with the opening of the other member, and one of said members having a central notch in each side of the opening therein, all of which notches cooperate to define a second offset similarly polygonal opening in said member interchangeably alinable with the opening in the other member, and a pin cooperable with the alined openings in said members to lock the latter against relative displacement.

13. An implement comprising, a shank member having a polygonal opening extending across the longitudinal shank axis and the corners and sides .of which are disposed out of symmetry with respect .to said axis, a toe member having a similarly polygonal opening alinable with said shank member opening, and a pin cooperable with said openings to lock said members in diiferent' angu- 14. An implement comprising, a shank member having a polygonal opening extending across the longitudinal shank axis and having its corners and sides disposed out of symmetry with respect to said axis, a toe member having a pair of similarly polygonal concentric offset openings interchangeably alinable with said shank mem-. ber opening, and a pin cooperable with said shank member opening and with either of said toe member openings to lock said members in different angular positions.

15. An implement comprising, a shank member having a hexagonal opening extending across the longitudinal shank axis and having its corners and sides out of symmetry with said axis by seven and one-half degrees, a toe member having a pair of hexagonal concentric openings offset with respect to each other by thirty degrees, and interchangeably alinable with said shank member opening, and a pin cooperable with said shank member opening and with either of said toe member openings to lock said members in successive angular positions each fifteen degrees in advance of the adjacent position of adjustment.

' 16. In combination, a jack having a movable element freely rotatable about its axis of movement, a shank member carried by and movable with said jack element, a toe member, and a transverse pivot adjustably connecting said toe member and said shank member, said pivot being formed and cooperating with said members to effect equal increments of angular adjustment about said pivot but differently positioned on the opposite sides of said spindle axis.

17. In combination, a jack having a movable element freely rotatable about its axis of movement, a shank member detachably associated and'movable with said jack element, a toe member, and a transverse pivot adjustably connecting said members, said pivot being formed and cooperating with said members to efiect successive angular adjustments of said toe member about the pivot axis by equal increments approximately equal to one half of the successive angular adjustments of the pivot.

18. In combination, a jack having a movable element, a shank member carried by and movable with said Jack element and being freely rotatable about the axis of movement of said element, and a toe member angularly adjustably associated with said shank member and being rotatable therewith about said axis.

19. In combination, a jack having a movable element, a shank member carried by and movable with said jack element and being freely rotatable about the axis of movement of said element, a toe member, and a pivot pin connecting said members, said pin being formed to eifect angular adjustment of said toe member relative to said shank member about an axis intersecting said axis of movement and said toe member bean axis which intersects said axis of movement.

21. In combination, a jack having a movable element, a shank member movable by said jack element and being rotatable about the axis of movement of said element, and a toe member carried by said shank member and extending away from said axis, said toe member being relatively wide andv extending laterally beyond the plane of said axis in both directions and also being angularly adjustable relative to said shank in said plane.

EDWARD H. SCHULTZ. 

